Five games in, Aztecs remain a mystery

With only five games in the books so far at San Diego State, it's still pretty hard to tell: Are they the same ol' Aztecs? Or are they finally building a foundation under another new coach?

Here are five things we've learned so far about Brady Hoke's Aztecs and five things we have yet to find out. SDSU (2-3) has the week off this week before its season resumes Oct. 17 at home against Brigham Young.

What we've learned:

1. The defense is much improved. A smart aleck might ask how it could have gotten worse. But the best example of its improvement probably came two weeks ago when SDSU lost at Air Force 26-14. SDSU gave up six turnovers in that game. In prior years, that would have meant a score more like 42-14. But SDSU held the Falcons to four field goals and no offensive touchdowns. SDSU finished 113th out of 119 teams in total defense last year and 115th the year before. Right now, the Aztecs are 34th and still learning the new 3-3-5 scheme under coordinator Rocky Long.

2. Quarterback Ryan Lindley is a sophomore in his freshman year under a pro-style offense. He created high expectations after putting up big numbers as a freshman last year. But that was in a spread system more like the one he operated at El Capitan High. Under a new pro-style system, he's starting over again and making mistakes (nine interceptions). That's often the best way to learn.

3. SDSU still can't run the ball. Five running backs have received auditions, including three true freshmen. Yet none has stood out consistently. Thirty-eight percent of SDSU's rushing yards came against the worst team on its schedule, Southern Utah. An additional 19 percent came in the fourth quarter last week against another weak opponent, New Mexico State. SDSU still ranks 114th in rushing offense with 78 yards per game. Last year, the Aztecs ranked 117th with 73 yards per game.

4. Soft scheduling helps the record. Former head coach Tom Craft complained about his tough nonconference schedules. He had a point: losses at Ohio State twice, vs. UCLA four times, Michigan and Colorado. What if SDSU had replaced those big-name games with home games against Southern Utah and New Mexico State (SDSU's two victories this year)? Instead of being 6-6 in 2003 and 5-7 in 2005, SDSU might have had winning records and Craft might still have his job.

5. Soft scheduling doesn't help the box office. SDSU had replica Brian Sipe jerseys to give away to the first 20,000 fans through the gates for last week's 34-17 win against New Mexico State. But not enough fans showed up so SDSU ended up with several unclaimed boxes of jerseys.

What we'll find out:

1. How soon can this team compete with anybody good? SDSU's next game against No. 18 BYU will give us an idea. Last time SDSU beat a ranked team? In 1996 the Aztecs beat No. 16 Wyoming at home, 28-24.